🎵

Lesson 1 - Space Race Movement Exploration

Space Race Stories Through Creative Movement

•

Year 3

•

Dance

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell the story of the Space Race through dance?

Learning Objectives

To share what we know about the Space Race theme
To creatively use theme-related words to develop movement vocabulary
To demonstrate good timing, posture, and extension in movement sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will develop a 32-48 count Space themed motif
Students will demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision
Students will contribute meaningfully to collaborative choreography

Equipment & Resources Required

Whiteboards

Positioned where all students can see for mind mapping activity

Alternative: Large paper sheets, digital display

Dish Cones

3-4 different colours

Ready for teacher to create mind map

Alternative: Chalk for blackboard, digital markers

Cards

4 large A4 cards

Space-themed images: rocket, planet, astronaut, satellite - one in each corner

Alternative: Digital images on tablets, hand-drawn pictures

Tunnel Systems

1 with good speakers

Pre-loaded with 'Star Girl' by McFly and 'Sputnik' by Public Service Broadcasting

Alternative: Tablet with portable speaker, piano for rhythm

Cones

Mark corners clearly for warm-up game

Alternative: Masking tape, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Motif

A short movement phrase that can be repeated and developed

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements

Extension

Stretching body parts away from the centre to create long lines

Dynamics

How we use energy in movement - strong, gentle, sudden, sustained

Levels

High, medium and low positions in space

Timing

Moving in rhythm with the music or counts

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements (walking, running, jumping)
Simple body shapes and balances
Following rhythm and beat
Understanding of personal and general space

Current Skills

Creating themed movement vocabulary
Combining movements into sequences
Demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
Collaborative choreography development

Next Steps

Developing longer, more complex movement phrases
Using levels and pathways creatively
Partner and small group choreography
Performance quality and expression

Milestone Indicators

Students can translate abstract concepts into physical movement

Movements show clear beginning, middle and end

Students demonstrate spatial awareness during group work

Performance shows attention to timing and quality

Key Teaching Points

Connect all movements clearly to space exploration themes
Emphasise quality over quantity in movement exploration
Build performance confidence through supportive audience culture
Use specific vocabulary (timing, levels, dynamics) throughout
Encourage individual creativity within collaborative framework
Focus on smooth transitions between different movement sections
Maintain narrative thread throughout the dance sequence

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking dance must be 'pretty' rather than expressive and themed
Believing there is only one 'correct' way to represent each space concept
Assuming movements must be large and energetic to be effective
Thinking performance is about perfection rather than expression and communication
Believing feedback should focus on what's wrong rather than what's effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Movement breaks built into lesson structure, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback, variety in activity types

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, buddy support system, focus on effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules, defined personal spaces, consistent routines, quiet area available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance for positions, ensure good lighting and contrast for visual elements

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, provide written instructions, use vibrating speaker for rhythm

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated or supported positions, modify ranges of motion, provide alternative ways to show space concepts

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development around space themes, descriptive language for movement qualities

Maths

Counting sequences in dance, measuring time and beats, understanding patterns and repetition

Science

Space exploration, Earth and space topics, forces and motion during rocket launches and orbital movements

Art

Creating visual representations of space themes, designing space-themed artwork

Geography

Understanding Earth from space perspective, mapping space missions and landing sites

History

Learning about the Space Race between USA and USSR, significant dates and achievements in space exploration

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations, maintain clear sight lines during performances

Observation Focus

Watch for creative interpretation, technical control, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills

Intervention Points

Step in if movement becomes unsafe, provide support for struggling students, redirect off-task behaviour positively

Demonstration Notes

Always face students when demonstrating, use exaggerated movements for clarity, count aloud during sequences, model positive performance energy

Verbal Cues

•'Use your whole body to tell the space story!'
•'Feel the contrast between sharp rocket movements and gentle floating!'
•'Make your shapes big and clear so we can see your ideas!'
•'Listen to the music and let it help your timing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall space 8m x 12m, clear of obstacles with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Dry, even floor free from hazards, adequate grip for jumping and turning movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Corner cards securely attached at appropriate height
•Music system positioned safely away from movement area
•All electrical equipment checked and cables secured

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during free movement phases
•Falls during level changes or balance movements
•Overexertion during energetic sequences
•Injury during unsupervised exploration

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement area
•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex movements
•Regular reminder of safe movement principles

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor closely during transition between levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure safe spacing during group choreography

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required